Scotland have not exactly set the world alight with their attacking play so far while Brazil have taken their time to get going with the two set to square off in Miami on Wednesday night.
Brazil bounced back from their opening draw with Morocco when easing past Haiti to put themselves in pole position to win Group C and next face a Scotland side still well-positioned to qualify for the knockout stages, despite a 1-0 loss to Morocco last time.
Brazil looked far sharper in front of goal against Haiti than they did in their opening match, while Scotland have proved toothless in both games, so focus on the Brazil goals and Scotland’s lack of shots markets.
We’ve analysed the fixture and studied the World Cup betting markets to put together a three-leg bet builder which pays out at 8/1 if successful.
Scotland v Brazil Bet Builder Tips
Matheus Cunha 2+ shots on target @ 11/8
Vinicius Junior to score anytime @ 11/10
Scotland Exact Goals – 0 @ 4/5
Pays out at 8/1
Cunha can cause havoc again
Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha really announced himself on the World Cup stage against Haiti, and expect him to have his shooting boots on again against a defensively-minded Scotland.
Cunha did not start the 1-1 draw against Morocco, playing just 29 minutes, but dazzled when given the nod against Haiti. Brazil looked far more threatening with him among the attacking line.
He did not register a shot when he came on in the opener, but proved ultra-clinical in the Haiti match with two goals from as many shots. Scotland restricted Morocco to just two shots on target, but Cunha is a player who can make the most of the little chances he could get.
Leg 1: Matheus Cunha 2+ shots on target @ 11/8
Vinicius Junior still Brazil’s biggest threat
Vinicius Junior is Brazil’s star man and there is still some juice in his anytime goalscorer price, given the threat he has already proved in both fixtures so far.
The Real Madrid player was the one who stood out the most in Brazil’s below-par performance against Morocco, in which he got on the scoresheet.
He left his significant mark again against Haiti when wrapping up the victory with the third goal, but he also set up Matheus Cunha for the second.
Scotland’s defence lacks a lot of pace, which could really work in favour of the tricky attacker. He is the leading contender to get on the scoresheet.
Leg 2: Vinicius Junior to score anytime @ 11/10
Stale Scots look set for another blank
Scotland’s 1-0 opening-game win over Haiti has put them in a good position to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, even if they lose to Brazil, but do not expect attacking flair.
Keeping Morocco at bay to restrict them to a 1-0 success was also crucial for their goal difference, with the defence their obvious strength. However, they only mustered two shots on target against Haiti, and none in their last game and a half.
Steve Clarke has been criticised for how negative he has set up Scotland before, and the lack of pace to counter-attack against Brazil looks obvious. Restricting Brazil as much as they can is likely to be their main aim.
Leg 3: Scotland Exact Goals – 0 @ 4/5
